District Urges Motorists to Use Caution During Deer Breeding Season

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County urges drivers to slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall, when the animals' breeding season increases the risk of accidents.

"Deer-vehicle collisions increase dramatically between October and December as deer cross roads and highways more frequently in search of mates," said District ecologist Brian Kraskiewicz.

According to State Farm Insurance, Illinois ranked 32nd in the nation for deer-vehicle accidents in 2016. A driver in the state had a 1-in-192 chance of having a collision, but there are ways to help lower the risk.

• Reduce your speed and watch for deer on the edge of the road, especially at dawn and dusk. They're common along woods, fields, fencerows and waterways, but you can encounter them almost anywhere.

• If you see a deer cross safely in front of your car, slow down and expect more to follow.

• Make note of where you've seen deer before.

• Be careful when going around curves or when approaching favored deer crossings.

• Don't assume that a deer in the road will run off as your approach.

• Don't use your horn unless it looks like you are going to collide with a deer. Distant noise may confuse the deer. Close noise may produce an extra burst of speed from the animal, but there is no way to predict how a deer will respond.

• Heed deer-warning signs. They are placed in areas where deer-auto collisions are likely to occur.

• Do not swerve to avoid deer. Slow to a stop and wait. Flash your headlights to encourage the animals to move.

If an accident does occur, drivers and passengers should not attempt to remove dead or injured deer from busy roads. Instead, they should contact local law enforcement for help. Illinois law requires drivers to report to police any deer-related accident that has more than $1,500 in damage.

"Motorists can stay safe by following these steps and driving a little more cautiously to prevent deer-vehicle collisions," said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 62 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District's e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

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